Sun Dried Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Pasta Salad

My favorite italian meat market and deli sells a salad that is so similar to this one!  It is one of The Captain's favorite things!!  Every time I walk into this deli, the smells that fill the air reminds me of my trips to this same deli as a little girl with my mom and nana . . . it brings back so many fond memories.  

The aroma of this salad is unbelievably delicious and now we can enjoy it at home. 

I'm so happy to have found this recipe from Angela at A Little About A Lot, a new blog discovery.  Visit her blog for more photos of her signature dish and lots of yummy recipes and crafts (link follows recipe) . . . I'm looking forward to checking out more of her posts.  One of the things I love so much about linky parties is finding awesome blogs like hers!  Thank you Angela :)

Sun Dried Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Pasta Salad
1 lb Pasta (whatever type you like, but Angela likes using anything spiral)
4-5 Roma Tomatoes 
1 lb Mozzarella - chopped
1 cup Basil leaves 
1 cup Parmesan Cheese

Dressing
6 Sun Dried Tomatoes in oil - drain & chop
2-3 Garlic cloves 
6 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
2 tsp Salt 
1 tsp Pepper 

Boil pasta until al dente, drain, drizzle with olive oil and set aside.  

While pasta is cooking make the sauce.  

To make the sauce:
Blend your sun dried tomatoes & garlic in your processor.   Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt & pepper and blend until smooth.  The longer it blends the more the sun dried tomato gets broken up and creates a darker and smoother sauce.

At this point you'll want to taste the sauce.  If it tastes too much like olive oil, add a splash of vinegar.   Add any additional salt & pepper to your liking.

Chop up the tomatoes & mozzarella and add to the cooked pasta.  Julienne the basil and add to pasta along with the parmesean. Mix and serve :)

Manja!!


Click here to go to Angela's original post with lots of photos of the process.